In Berlin on January 22, a local chapter of the far-right Alternative for Germany party reported that its account had been terminated by the cooperative bank where it conducts its financial transactions, alleging that the action was part of a targeted move against it during the election campaign.
When approached by Reuters, Volksbank Duesseldorf-Neuss declined to comment on specific customer relationships.
The AfD stays a strong contender in polls leading up to the national election on February 23, with analysts suggesting that a return to the White House could further bolster the anti-immigration, anti-Islam party.
While analysts believe the AfD is unlikely to attain power due to other parties' reluctance to collaborate with what they consider an anti-democratic party, some politicians from various political factions have advocated for a more stringent approach, possibly including an outright ban.
The German electoral system virtually necessitates coalition-building to form a government.
The Duesseldorf branch of the AfD shared a communication on its social media platform stating that Volksbank Duesseldorf-Neuss had notified them of the closure of their account effective March 31.
"We are exercising our right under our general business terms to conclude our business relationship," the letter from the bank stated, without specifying a detailed reason for their decision.
This incident is not an isolated one.
Last year, Berlin Volksbank shut down the AfD's donation account after a petition initiated by "Grandmas against the Right," an anti-fascist organization, garnered support from 33,000 individuals.
The AfD's Duesseldorf branch remarked on Telegram, "Debanking is a peculiar method of campaigning." Their campaign strategy may remain unaffected, as the party has until the end of March, more than a month after election day, to make alternate arrangements.